We are a steady customer, and we always order pretty much the same thing: my husband orders the early bird dinner - which includes soup or salad, a drink (he always gets milk) and a dessert, and it is always very good. I always order a baked potato - and I always ask for 3 small sour cream containers to go with it, and a glass of water. Our bill is always $20.26, and of course the tip: we pay cash or use a gift card. Yesterday, when I placed my baked potato order and requested the normal 3 small sour cream containers - the waitress mentioned it would be .50 cents extra: I was surprised - but said no problem. Yesterday our bill came to I believe $25.64 - we have no receipt so I might be off a little bit. When I asked the waitress - that a drink (the milk) comes with my husband's dinner: she said only soda etc. comes with the dinner - not milk. I believe we were charged $4.75 for his glass of milk. It kind of left a bad taste for us - we should have been told that milk is not part of the early bird dinner drink. On the other hand - how come it was never a problem before with all the other waitresses? We believe prices should be consistent - or the customer should be notified beforehand. read more

Came here with my parents for a late lunch. It was a nice clean place with friendly staff greeting you at the door. Our waitress was very nice and bubbly. The early bird specials had a few choices to pick from. All were $14.95. It comes with a soup or salad, a soda and a dessert. The cream of turkey soup was very delicious tasted like a liquid thanksgiving. Definitely a go to when you come here. The chicken parm was ok. The sauce was on the sweet side they didn't give much sauce either. Definitely had better chicken parm from other places. But good for the price. The fish and chips were good. Had a nice crunch with moist flaky fish in the middle. The fries were also good as well. The chicken stir fry was the best tasting dish chicken was tender and moist with a variety of vegetables over rice tossed in a light teriyaki sauce. Flavorful and tasty. The portion sizes are perfect they give you a lot. Great place for a low budget meal. Would love to come back and try other menu items. read more

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Food is always fresh, hot, and fast. George our server was AWESOME! 5 stars for George I had the Philly, would recommend read more

Solid old school diner, perfect for a quick breakfast. Staff was friendly, service was fast, and the breakfast was delicious. The food was hot and the coffee was flowing! What more could you ask for? As one would expect for a Jersey diner, the menu had a ton of options and could satisfy any morning craving. The prices were extremely reasonable which was a nice surprise, especially being so close to LBI! read more

Stafford Diner - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

I'm really not a breakfast person but I will say this was some of the best French toast I've had in a while. The building was packed with customers but service was on point. Very clean establishment! read more

Stafford Diner - Original French toast with a side of home fries and bacon - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

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Typical tasty diner fare. Good service, nice selection of breakfast, lunch or dinners. Food was hot and tasty. Service was good and friendly. read more

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We used to come here all the time but our experience this morning was terrible. The special omelet of the day was dry and tasteless as well as overcooked. The potatoes were also dry and overcooked. My partner's breakfast burger was mediocre and there was more roll than meat. You have no V8 juice! No extra butter or jam on the table for toast. The waiter could barely understand English and appeared inexperienced. Such a disappointment read more

Classic diner with a full menu and servers running around. It's located conveniently near the parkway entrance. We are usually able to walk in and be seated right away. The portions are a great size for the value and not overloaded on breakfast potatoes. Will continue to come here for the reliable meals and service. read more

Stafford Diner - Chicken Caesar Wrap, Greek Omelet, side of corned beef hash - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Solid breakfast option with plenty of tables and an old school diner vibe complete with some neon lighting. The cinnabun French toast was delightful if you want to indulge in sweets first thing in the morning. The eggs were fine as expected. Coffee was okay as well. Service was quick. Overall, I don't think anything was spectacular, but it was a good breakfast diner meal. read more

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Always good food the help they are all very professional just a good place to go Been there many many times and they never disappoint mme or my family read more

We were on the way back from LBI and this was recommended by a local. At 11AM it was packed, a sure sign it's good. I had blueberry pancakes with sausage, wife had apple French toast with bacon. Along with 2 drinks $34.76. Reasonable price. The pancakes serving was 3 massive pancakes, probably 10 inches. Loaded with blueberries. The French toast was topped with fresh apples. We need a diner like this near us. read more

We've been coming to the Stafford Diner for over 20 years and it never disappoints. The owners and staff are great, friendly and so helpful. The food is always hot and it always hits the spot. They also make the best party melts and quesadillas around. In Jersey we take our diner food seriously and this place is amazing. read more

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The lady at the front desk with the blonde hair that checks you out has an attitude if you're not a "townie". Will not be returning because we didn't feel welcomed. Tourist probably pay your bills so you should be nice to everyone. read more

Best Diner in New Jersey! Staff is so nice and service and food are awesome. Prices are extremely reasonable. After recent renovations the ambiance is wonderful. read more

Trash. Trash people that run it - if you can get past the sons ego what a joke. I'm shocked he was able to make it out of planet fitness and into a paying job. Oh my bad he works for mom and dad Sucks - on this review and it's been a long time coming -because the food is good. The service from the owners is absolute GARBAGE ( you are BURNT out. Just give in. ) I guess the rumors are real and they are selling so they stopped giving an Fudge about customers which is why their usual " assholeness " has reached another level entirely. And it's a consistent type thing. Can anyone actually say that when the Stafford Diner makes a mistake they , own up to it , make it right , wait wait my favorite part APOLOGIZE . I , too am in hospitality so I DO know the " Protocol " when things get " lost " on the way .. but " their never wrong " gtfo my family is from Spain and I know the " immigrant " bs story too and I have worked for nasty , abusive , rude Greeks my entire life and at this rate ? I am honestly hoping you fail. I edited my original post and I RARELY if ever give this kind of review . But this ? Your ENTIRE family deserves it. Aya tu 1. I am not picky about my food and calling to tell YOU what soup I want because you have nowhere for me to tell you on DoorDash ( which you are paid VERY nicely for that service so stop whining about what BS it is - again I work in the industry. No one feels bad for you guys ) 2. If *I* don't call do that you will just leave it out and say "It doesn't come with the ____ meal oh really ? SO now I know your menu better than you do ?? How strange ... HOW odd that a TURKEY DINNER for $20 wouldn't come with soup or salad or a dessert like it said on door dash ( and your own menu ....) - you know what would have remedied that entire situation/ situations ? Shutting your mouths and hearing me out ? But you and Sir muscles mix it and his ego couldn't let me talk was that dinner rush at 4:45 pm too much to handle ? I can literally walk over there and see it's an empty parking lot - again you suck at your job and you are assholes. Take a class on customer service and you say I have no manners because of my language ? My language is reflecting back what you have given. This wasn't a ONE time issue btw. I have had issues w this diner numerous times ( look at all the negative reviews that are about THE PEOPLE not the food ) the food is GREAT which is why this pains me to DO All customers are idiots ? You guys are BURNT OUT. I hope the rumors ARE correct and you are selling. I'm Over your nastiness and your shitty " hon / dear / love " Ew you don't know me and you speak to your staff like trash. You are bad bosses and bad to your customers if they have ANY requests ( that is entirely freaking outrageous ) And to old muscles ? Get out while you still can - family systems don't ever get better and you will become exactly like them - which it seems your doing a fine job. ‍ read more

I've been here many times and they never disappoint. I'm a big burger fan, and I usually order burgers when I come here, and they always come out perfectly cooked (to my liking, of course), and the fries are always great. Servers are always friendly and accommodating, and prices are fair. The retro themed aspect of the diner gives it an old school feel, and just makes it more enjoyable to eat there. One warning; This place packs 'em in! read more

Stafford Diner - Double Trouble Burger - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

I had the early bird special, Chicken Parmigiana and it was the best I have ever eaten, ever. I have ordered that many times in other restaurants and I make it at home, but, this beat any of them. The angel hair, tomato sauce, mozzarella and the breaded chicken were perfection and the serving was huge. I can't stop talking about it and I do my own home cooking so when I go out to eat, I can be critical but not this time. I wish I lived closer, but I have to let people know, order the early bird Chicken Parmigiana and see what I'm talking about. Service was top notch also, what a great diner. read more

I just had te worst experience at this diner. ordered a salad told them I did not want creamy dressing nor did I want italian dressing I wanted a vinaigrette like balsamic so the waiter clearly didn't understand anything I was saying and brought out balsamic vinegar when I was checking out the woman said we have 26 dressing we have vinaigrette said I asked for it I was brought out vinegar. She blamed me and yelled at me that it was my fault. Unbelievable read more

Their food is awful Look at my potato skins Instead of fresh cheese they used cheese wiz Disgusting and they had fatty bacon underneath the wiz cheese Their mashed potatoes are instant too The taco salad was awful Got sick from the food Will not go back And Someone I know got sick from going here too Not gluten friendly or educated on gf food read more

Stafford Diner - Stafford Diner Manahawkin nj - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

My favorite diner ! Staff is friendly and food is good . Always come here and have met nice people of all ages and backgrounds .

Awesome Diner!! There's nothing like having a drink refill show up without prompting. If you're a diner traditionalist get the meatloaf!! Great staff and not one item on the menu disappoints! read more

It's alright - very average diner food. I'm torn between 2 and 3 stars. Props for the variety on the menu, though - in addition to an extensive menu of American diner fare, they have sections of Greek, Italian, and Mexican. I had Buckwheat Pancakes and an egg over-easy on the side. The pancakes were nothing fancy but the flavour of the buckwheat was very nice. I had been considering the Cinnamon Raisin French Toast but I'm glad I got the pancakes, since someone else I was eating with got the toast and the bread looked pretty thin - I think the pancakes were more substantial. Served plain with butter on the side and syrup and jelly at the table. I tried strawberry jam on one of the pancakes but I think I liked them best with just a touch of butter. The egg was oily and tasted like old oil. Once I opened up the yolk, the runny yolk mostly covered the oil taste, but it was still not the most pleasant. Based on what I saw of others' meals, the food tends to be greasy, and not necessarily in the gratifying way. Although I found the food underwhelming, I still have to say the prices are great value. My pancakes with the egg added were still under $10, I think all (or at least almost all) of the sandwich plates are under $15 and they include coleslaw, pickle, and a big serving of fries. Some of the dinner plates go up to $20 but it sounds like they come with a ton of food too. The atmosphere is exactly what you'd want from a diner. They've got the neon lights and metal box construction, the long counter with retro-style seats. Our waitress and others really played into the character, calling customers "hon" and all. Our waitress was great about making sure we had everything we needed, but a few times she would get into a conversation with other staff in the middle of handing out food or drinks and stop what she was doing which was a little irritating. But they were probably busy and didn't have much chance to talk otherwise so I guess I understand. For my taste, I would choose to check out other diners rather than come here again, but I can also understand why some people love it. If you're into the diner experience and like simple greasy spoon food, this might be the place for you. If you're like me and are more interested in getting high-quality cooking, there are probably better options. read more

Stafford Diner - Buckwheat Pancakes & Egg Over-Easy - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Terrible food in general, breakfast is passable. Usually good servers. Pricing is pretty typical. Early bird best bet. read more

We have been going to the Stafford Diner since it opened and never disappointed..love the atmosphere and all the girls..Kathleen is the best..always makes our day with her laughs and good times. The food is amazing and can't beat the price..its definitely our favorite place to go and recommend to many of our friends. Sal and Barb read more

had a great breakfast today!!! and really nice servers, was really busy and the servers handled it great.

The Stafford Diner is always a safe option when you're hungry in Manahawkin. From breakfast to dinner, everything here is great. I almost always order the gyro, which is one of the best you can get around. The fries here are also ridiculously good and crunchy. My boyfriend got the French Toast Napoleon and it was so yummy! Service is always prompt and friendly. Definitely recommend! read more

Stafford Diner - Gyro - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

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it was hood, but very jammed up at dinner time. business is good, but they need to turn the tables a little faster....people waiting for more than 10 mins while customers just sitting and chatting after eating. I still liked it and if your like diner, you will be good here. read more

What a terrific experience with great service, attentive staff, complimenting a wonderfully eclectic menu...I had the pork chop with eggs and COULD be the best pork chop I've ever had!!! Get this place on your short list for breakfast AND dinner...you will not be disappointed!!! read more

Disgusting place with MOLD Be careful not to get sick from this place. They have mold and don't care FOOD - BLT was terrible. 2 slices of bacon, tomato had a hard core avocados were legit black, bread was old. SERVICE - I told them about it and they said that's ok like that they give it to everyone that way. read more

Stafford Diner - Gross sandwich - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

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First we got the nicest, but most forgetful wait person ever. Asked for water 3x, and finally got someone else to get it. Same with the coffee refill. Food was mediocre at best. Both of our eggs were underdone and snotty. The toast was cold and tasted 2 years old. Waffle was underdone also. Bacon was good and grits good also. We will not return. read more

Always quick, friendly service when calling in a pick-up order. Fresh, delicious & plentiful food. Newly renovated interior, great atmosphere for your dining experience. read more

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The nicest people work here and they have been such a go to during the pandemic. This Greek combo platter is inexpensive and delicious. Perfect spinach pie. I recommend you get a slice of that with anything you order. Get the pancakes too. read more

Stafford Diner - Athenian Delight. Makes it tough to order anything else. Add their wings and pancakes to every order. - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Needed breakfast/lunch before hitting the parkway home after Long Beach island. Clean classic diner. I wish they offered more breakfast options for those with egg allergies like me, so I opted for lunch. I got the soup and half of a Turkey sandwich combination. Soup was split pea and not thick but not loaded with salt so that was good. Sandwich was basic no frills. My husband's breakfast combo was inhaled. A little pricey for basic diner fare. read more

Anya was awesome and food very good. Thank you Anya for making our meal an enjoyable time.

Have been going there almost 25 years and the early bird menu can't be beaten! Quick service by pleasant servers!

Horrible service. Waited 15 minutes and finally got coffee and the unfriendly waitress still hasn't taken the order. (Coffee is burnt tasting). After mentioning the delay to the manager the order was taken at 30 minutes. Food finally arrived about 45 minutes after I arrived. The food was okay, typical of many diners, but the service was so slow and unfriendly I'll never go back. read more

Made up my own omelette bacon cheddar avocado subbed fruit... very good. Had a few bites of my dads multigrain pancakes which were big and fluffy and had a little texture to them read more

Stafford Diner - Made up my own omelette bacon cheddar avocado subbed fruit... - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Ordered through door dash and the order received was not followed. A bit disappointed for a first time order. I requested pastrami and received corned beef. Asked for a Kaiser roll on one, received rye bread. Asked for one order to have rye toasted....one guest enjoyed their Turkey.... hmmmm I always give a place another shot, but my soggy breads left my opinion on low. Will try one more time. read more

Stafford Diner - Cornbeef - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

Good diner food. Good service. Always dependable. Why do u need to make this 85 characters to post a review?

I'm reviewing the early bird experience and specials. You have to go early to get a seat. We usually go on a Tuesday or Wednesday and there is no wait. Service: I guess it depends on who you get ... first time, waitress not the best , second time our waitress was great and quick. Specials: a lot of choices! It's so hard to decide ! Food: specials are 9.25 and come with soup or salad, entree, 1 drink and a choice of pudding, or icecream I had the chicken francase! It was so good! I had Angel hair under it. Perfect ! Everyone had different things and they all enjoyed it! Great deal for 9.25! read more

Stafford Diner - Chicken parm! - Diners Near Me - Manahawkin, New Jersey

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